Namibia Deploys Police to Halt Village Mining Rush

The Namibian cabinet has ordered an immediate ban on all mining activity in Okoutjete, a village in the Kunene region. To enforce this, police have been sent to protect the land. The government's move is a direct response to stop illegal mining. Officials did not specify what minerals are attracting miners to the area. This action highlights growing government efforts to control mining operations. It follows increased global demand for critical minerals, which has spurred both legal and illegal digging across Africa. The police presence aims to prevent any further unauthorized activity while the cabinet reviews the situation. No timeline for the ban has been announced.